[jwplayer HX2RBtHe-Esf0Ippc]
UNLV vs. New Mexico Preview & Score Prediction
Check out the UNLV vs. New Mexico game preview and score prediction
Contact/Follow @DrewRob23 & @MWCwire
UNLV (13-4, 2-2) vs. New Mexico (8-11, 3-3) Game Preview
[lawrence-auto-related count=2 category=1361]
Game Info
Date: Wednesday, January 17th
Tip-off: 7:00pm PT
Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Radio: ESPN Radio 1100/100.9 Las Vegas/770 KKOB-AM Lobo
TV/Stream: ESPN3
Projected runnin rebels Line-up
G Jordan Johnson – Scored a team high 20 points in the Rebels win over Air Force.
G Jovan Mooring
F Kris Clyburn
F Shakur Juiston
C Brandon McCoy
Projected New mexico Line-up
G Antino Jackson
G Makuach Maluach – Scored 21 points in the teams loss to Fresno State.
G Anthony Mathis
F Dane Kuiper
F Vladimir Pinchuk
[lawrence-auto-related count=2 category=1376]
Why UNLV Will Win
This is a game that should play right into UNLV’s hand. The rebuilding Lobos prefer to play a high paced, up and down game, which is when the Rebels are playing at their best. On top of that, it’s looking like the Lobos will be without two of their best players in Sam Longwood and Troy Simmons, leaving them with only eight players.
Also, both Jovan Mooring and Jordan Johnson appear to have ended their mid season shooting/scoring slumps, so if they can pick up where they left off against Air Force, that will go a long way in opening up the paint, and allowing Brandon McCoy and Shakur Juiston to exploit the less talented Lobos front court.
Why new mexico Will Win
In each of UNLV’s two wins this conference season, they have looked underwhelming, on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. And New Mexico may be short handed, but they are going to play hard. In their previous loss to Fresno State, they held a 6 point lead with under eight minutes to go, before fading down the stretch.
Freshman Makuach Maluach, has been shinning in his expanded roll, scoring in double figures in each of his last three games. If the Rebels struggles on the defensive end continue, an upset isn’t out of the realm of possibilities.
KenPom Line
UNLV -8, o/u 166
Score Prediction
UNLV 87, New Mexico 80